As the rest of us pulled out our knitted hats and mittens, SDOT crews responded to last night’s lower temperatures by treating the city’s key bridges to keep ice from forming. SDOT drivers used tank trucks to spray salt brine on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the West Seattle Bridge, Aurora Bridge, and other key elevated roadways. Under SDOT’s new winter weather response plan, the tanker trucks go into action when below freezing temperatures are forecast. SDOT street maintenance manager Robert Clarke explained, “If the weather remains dry, the material will last for several days and does not need to be repeated every night.”
This week’s lower temperatures serves as a reminder for everyone to be prepared for winter weather. Clarke also advises, “If you must drive, make sure your windshield is completely free of ice before hitting the road, and allow more space between your car and the next in case you unexpectedly encounter roadway ice. Have traction tires mounted on your car, and make sure you have chains that fit the tires. Have a snow shovel handy to keep your driveway clear, and also the sidewalk on the street in front of your house so pedestrians can get around. Then relax and enjoy the season!”